Critical Summary Assessment

A high-quality systematic review of 72 randomized
controlled and generally well-designed trials (mostly high-quality and
double-masked) suggests that single doses of ibuprofen 200 to 400 milligrams
provide relief of acute moderate to severe postoperative pain for approximately
five hours in 50 percent of adults. Higher doses increased the effectiveness.
Adverse drug effects were uncommon and similar to those of placebo.